Bill Biondi and Rudy Sunderman have spent decades answering emergency calls, protecting their neighbors and giving back to the communities they call home. On Monday, the two longtime public servants were recognized for their lifetime of service as Colonial Youth and Family Services honored them during its 47th Annual Golf Outing at Swan Lake Golf Club in Manorville.
The annual fundraiser, Colonial’s largest event of the year, brought together elected officials, first responders, business leaders and community supporters to celebrate the honorees while raising money for the nonprofit’s child care, counseling, family assistance and youth development programs serving the Mastic, Shirley, Mastic Beach and Moriches communities. Colonial Youth and Family Services has served Suffolk County families since 1973.
For Biondi, a retired mayor of the Incorporated Village of Mastic Beach, commissioner of the Massapequa Fire District and a 55-year veteran of the fire service, the recognition was both humbling and meaningful.
“It feels great,” Biondi said. “When you get up in age, you really don’t want to be recognized, but it’s great to have that honor and be recognized by so many.”
Sunderman, who serves as a Mastic Fire commissioner and Suffolk County commissioner of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, said the honor belongs to the many volunteers who dedicate themselves to serving others.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Colonial Youth,” Sunderman said. “But it’s really about the men and women of the volunteer fire service, my family, my friends and everyone who gives their time to support the community.”
He added that Colonial has become a cornerstone of the Tri-Hamlet area.
“Colonial Youth has always supported the kids and local families in our community,” Sunderman said. “They provide services families need every day, and we’re always proud to support them.”
New York State Assemblyman Joe DeStefano said Colonial’s impact extends far beyond one evening’s celebration.
“They do so many good things for the community,” DeStefano said. “We were able to secure $360,000 in grant monies for them. That’s going to help them with payroll and keep these programs going. It gets them out of the hole and pushes them to the next level.”
Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella, a William Floyd graduate with deep ties to the area, said Colonial has earned its reputation over generations.
“Colonial Youth has a very long and positive history in this community,” Mazzarella said. “Year after year, decade after decade, they have proven themselves to be a very important organization that supports families, especially families in need.”
Suzanne Roberts, Colonial’s Child Care Director and Deputy Director, said the golf outing is critical to sustaining those services.
“This is our biggest event of the year,” Roberts said. “Without Colonial Youth, so many families wouldn’t have Christmas presents, Thanksgiving meals or somewhere safe for their children to go. This event helps make all of that possible.”
The golf outing participants tipped their hat to Fred Towle, the Colonial Youth Executive Director who’s been with the organization for 37 years.